Sports themes have always been popular among the gaming crowd. The Princess on Ice game by Sega, which is based on the exciting sport of ice skating, is another example of this fact. Published by 505 Games and developed by Arc System Works, the single-player game centres around controlling the acts of four young ice dancers.

All four dancers, namely, Madison, Alyssa, Kelly and Gabrielle entertain you with their different dancing styles. They jump, spin and show the best of their talent to win the Princess on Ice Tournament. The gamers will accompany the youthful dancers in their journey on Princess on Ice as they try to become recognised dancers. They dance their way to stadiums and the most happening dance event. The stylus controls allow the players to shape the destiny of the girls by following their dance prompts on the screen.

Your part is not only limited to the dance, as you also have to customize the looks of these skaters. With so many clothing options available in the game, you can dress up the girls in your way to give them a perfect appearance. Pretty girls will surely love doing this! However, even the most wonderful attire and look has no use if they don’t dance well. So you need to be careful about their moves, which are visible on the upper screen. You also have to be cautious about the heat meter, because a stumble can make them loose upon their points.

Follow the performers and test their dancing skills to decide whether they deserve the title of ‘Princess on Ice’.

The Nintendo DS has another game on the block, Rhythm Heaven, created by the Wario Ware franchise. It includes minigames that are played at a frantic pace, in conjunction with a great and deep musical experience.

The first minigames will require you to operate a catapult, while square blocks are rolling in front. When they reach the middle of the screen, you will need to shoot the log through them, and do so while following the beat of the square’s movement. It’s kind of similar to games like Guitar Hero: On Tour (Nintendo DS), though of course without the guitar. As you move further, the blocks vary their speed and eventually the screen goes completely black except for a small ray of light in the centre. That may sound a little difficult, but if you follow the beat appropriately, you can play the game with your eyes closed.

The other two minigames, in addition to the catapult game, are also very captivating. One has you using a fuel pump in a robot factory and the other one has you playing as a singer in a row of three people. The beguiling beat and the sheer challenge to line up the shots would keep you engrossed for a long time.

The Nintendo DS has not only replaced the button pushes with stylus controls, but it has also kept the pick-up-and-play nature intact. You might find Rhythm Heaven a wee tough, but believe you me it will keep you pleased. I, just like you, can’t wait until this hits shops sometime later this year.